red spots on ferrets mouth

Question
About two week ago my little girl ferret, Missy Poo, vomited out of the blue.  then two days later my little boy, Crashy Boy, did the same thing.  Then about three days ago I noticed that Missy had little red spots on her moth and nose.  Then today i noticed the same red spots on Crashy.  What could this be?  They are eating and drinking fine.  They play and act like normal.  They have had their distemper vaccines but could this still be distemper??  

Thank you
Lori

Answer
Hi Lori & Fuzzies:

So sorry to hear your kids have been having problems. No, that certainly doesn't sound like distemper, so you can rest easy there.

There are other things that could cause red bumps inside the mouth - the first thing I think of is 'thrush', something babies can also get.  It's treated simply with gentian violet wiped on it but you MUST take them to the vet to see if this is what it could be, or if it's something else. If it's thrush, it's critical to get them in soon.  The good news is that I've not heard of a case of thrush in ferrets, but nothing is impossible. They get into so many things, any bacteria could be picked up and if their mouths are red and bumpy, it's likely they are sore also, so please do get them to a vet for a look-see as soon as possible.

Best of luck - don't hesitate to write again if I can help.

Sincerely,

Jacquie Rodgers